Kathmandu Artifacts flourishes in Bloomfield

Kathmandu Artifacts is a boutique in Bloomfield that opened last year and is proving popular, offering a trove of authentic treasures from the Nepalese city at affordable prices. Owner Nama Lima, who was born in Kathmandu, moved to Pittsburgh five years ago to join several family members already living here.

While he initially started this business as wholesale importer, he decided a shop was the best way to display the handcrafted art and clothing while conveying an essence of the place. Lima sells a wide range of native goods, from handmade woolen and cotton clothing to singing (healing) balls, silver jewelry, statues and meditation cushions and books.

The atmosphere in the shop is soothing, with quiet music in the background and burning incense. “I hope to bring people a little peace,” he says.

The community seems to have welcomed the new and unique store. “What a great addition to the Bloomfield shopping district,” says Nancy Ferrari in a Facebook post. “I bought a colorful and warm jacket at an excellent price and was impressed by the inventory and friendliness of the staff.”

About The Author

Deb is an award-winning journalist who loves ancient places and cool technologies. A former daily newspaper reporter and Time-Life Books editor, she writes mostly about Pittsburgh. Her stories have appeared in Fast Company, Ozy and Pittsburgh Magazine.